Wild card in Anthony Richardson decision

[Kray007]

It’s been widely reported, probably reliably, that the Colts haven’t been impressed with what teams have been willing to offer in trade for Richardson. Chris Ballard doesn’t seem willing to hold a fire sale.

Three days after a draft in which a trade was widely expected, I have begun to wonder how much next year’s free agent market and the assignment of compensatory picks is factoring into this. Are they willing to hold onto Richardson with the expectation that he signs a big enough deal to net them something better than they can get in a trade?

[Mr. Session]

This whole situation is kind of dumb to me.

I get why Richardson is seeking the trade. I think it's immature, but that tracks with his other decisions the last few years. He's uncomfortable, he probably thinks nobody believes in him, and I assume he thinks it'll be different somewhere else. I've thought shit like that in my life too, growing up. The grass isn't greener, in my experience it's more about what's inside of you.

The football world has said over and over that he needed to sit behind a guy and learn. We were supposed to know he was a significant project and protect him. There's some legitimacy to that, we also had a different set of urgency - something had to change. I empathize with Ballard and the organization like I did with Manning. They took a shot, it hasn't worked out as well as we hoped it would.

Well, here's his opportunity to sit behind a guy and learn. There's zero pressure, he can't play worse, and his value for us right now is higher than anyone else I imagine.

I wouldn't trade him unless my socks were knocked off and I suspect that's exactly how Ballard feels. What I don't get it why Richardson's camp doesn't look at this like the absolutely great opportunity it is. You get to compete with a glass QB, with a shaky at best career, that's coming off of a broken leg and torn Achilles. The FO is already playing that bullshit game of "He'll be ready week 1" and even if he is, what are the actual odds he makes it through the entire year?

Even if his future is not in Indianapolis, he's playing in a scheme he's known for years, with players he's known for years, and has an opportunity to put up tape for his next destination. Maybe he can get someone to pay him and offer him a starting position.

[apballin]

He’s probably gonna end up cut just like Kenny Moore

[Racehorse]

Originally Posted by apballin

He’s probably gonna end up cut just like Kenny Moore

I doubt they cut him unless they just need a roster spot. His contract is guaranteed.

[Oldcolt]

Why on earth would they cut him? If that isn't an indictment of Ballard, cutting the number 4 pick 3 years after picking him, I am not sure what is. Hard for me seeing him do that and leave us with an injury prone QB coming off a devastating injury and a late round draft pick to back him up. Despite all the hate AR gets around here, the man has won games in the NFL. We don't need the money and it is hard to see someone trade and pay 5 and a half million dollars for a back up QB who needs to sit and is most likely a one year rental for them. On top of all of this if the Colts are correct about Daniel Jones it will be the first time in 10 years that this group has correctly evaluated a QB. We need more than 2 QBs on this team.

[apballin]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

Why on earth would they cut him? If that isn't an indictment of Ballard, cutting the number 4 pick 3 years after picking him, I am not sure what is. Hard for me seeing him do that and leave us with an injury prone QB coming off a devastating injury and a late round draft pick to back him up. Despite all the hate AR gets around here, the man has won games in the NFL. We don't need the money and it is hard to see someone trade and pay 5 and a half million dollars for a back up QB who needs to sit and is most likely a one year rental for them. On top of all of this if the Colts are correct about Daniel Jones it will be the first time in 10 years that this group has correctly evaluated a QB. We need more than 2 QBs on this team.

You cut him because nobody wants to trade for him and situations like that can derail a season before it even begins. This team isn’t good enough to deal with any unnecessary distractions.

Just cut him and move on, I wish the dude the best and he may end up being a good quarterback some day but the days of hoping it’s wearing a horseshoe are long gone.

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

On top of all of this if the Colts are correct about Daniel Jones l it will be the first time in 10 years l that this group has correctly evaluated a QB. We need more than 2 QBs on this team.

o


10 years ago was April of 2016. Andrew Luck was still with the team.

The evaluation of Philip Rivers for the 2020 season was fine. Unfortunately, he immediately retired following that solid season.

In 2021, Carson Wentz had 27 TD's, 7 INT's, and a passer rating of 94.6 ...... Wentz led the team to a 9-6 record in their first 15 games before he shit the bed in the final 2 games of the season. Wentz ultimately failed, but his failure was far from epic proportions. In addition to Wentz shitting the bed, the entire team played like garbage in those last 2 games of that season, especially against a horrible Jaguars team that had a record of 2-14 entering that game.


There is no doubt that the Colts have had multiple failures in QB evaluations since the abrupt retirement of Andrew Luck in September of 2019, since which the Colts have played 6 seasons (2020 through 2025) in trying to find a suitable QB for the team (the Colts had no chance to evaluate a new QB in 2019, because of the fact that Luck retired 2 weeks before the start of the season) ...... you can make your point without exaggerating.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


For all of his flaws, Anthony Richardson is very talented and athletic, and gives the team the proverbial "puncher's chance" to win any close game with a late, 4th quarter rally ...... how much more can one ask from a 3rd-string quarterback ??? In fact, that sounds like arguably the best 3rd-string quarterback in the league. And yes, we really need 3 quarterbacks in this very rough sport of tackle football, as last year's team having 44 year-old Philip Rivers desperately trying to salvage the season exhibited.

Leave well-enough alone, and don't make an issue where there isn't one by cutting him. Richardson may want to be traded, but one can't always get what they want.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


For all of his flaws, Anthony Richardson is very talented and athletic, and gives the team the proverbial "puncher's chance" to win any close game with a late, 4th quarter rally ...... how much more can one ask from a 3rd-string quarterback ??? In fact, that sounds like arguably the best 3rd-string quarterback in the league. And yes, we really need 3 quarterbacks in this very rough sport of tackle football, as last year's team having 44 year-old Philip Rivers desperately trying to salvage the season exhibited.

Leave well-enough alone, and don't make an issue where there isn't one by cutting him. Richardson may want to be traded, but one can't always get what they want.

o

o


The Colts Says That QB Anthony Richardson Is ‘Here to Compete’ Amid Trade Request

(By James Boyd)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...ny-richardson/



INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson Sr. does not want to be a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He made that clear when he requested a trade in February after three seasons with the franchise. Since then, however, the Colts have been unable to strike a deal, and after missing the first two weeks of voluntary spring practice, Richardson rejoined the team last week.

Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds, who spoke to the media Saturday after rookie minicamp for the first time since last year’s training camp, said it’s up to both sides to act like adults in the wake of Richardson’s trade request. Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was the Colts’ highest-drafted player since the team selected Andrew Luck first in 2012. The 23-year-old started just 15 games through his first two years before losing the starting job to Daniel Jones last year.

“I think you’re just upfront and say, ‘Hey, we tried. Nothing materialized. But you’re a professional, you have a job to do, and that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete,’” Dodds said of how he’s approached Richardson’s return. “I think Anthony knows, too, it’s only gonna help him by competing and doing well.”

Dodds, like Colts general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen, stopped short of detailing exactly what Richardson’s role will be as he reintegrates with the team. Jones will likely be limited when OTAs begin later this month as he continues rehabbing from the torn right Achilles tendon he suffered last December. Therefore, Richardson and Riley Leonard should have the chance to take more reps during spring practice.

Before Richardson’s return, Leonard had been the Colts’ presumed backup after starting the 2025 regular-season finale while Jones and Richardson, who suffered an orbital fracture last October, were sidelined. When asked if Richardson, who is 8-7 as a starter, will challenge Leonard for the QB2 role if he’s not traded, Dodds sidestepped the question.

“I think that everybody is competing,” Dodds said. “It’s May ...... who knows how it’ll end up ???”

Richardson has thrown 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in the NFL. He also has 10 rushing touchdowns. Leonard threw two touchdown passes and three interceptions as a rookie. He also notched two rushing TD's.

Dodds said the Colts feel good about their quarterbacks.

“We’ve got two other guys in that room that’ve started NFL games,” he said.

Regardless of the role Richardson plays with the Colts or another team, his recovery from the orbital fracture remains a big factor in his NFL future. The injury initially left Richardson with impaired vision in his right eye. Dodds was asked if Richardson had regained his full vision, and instead of giving a yes or no answer, he, like Steichen, stated that the “doctors said he’s good to go.”

Aside from discussing Richardson and Leonard, Dodds spoke glowingly of Jones. The veteran, who turns 29 later this month, signed a two-year, $88 Million deal in March to remain with the Colts. Last year, Jones led Indianapolis to an 8-2 start before fracturing his left fibula and tearing his right Achilles tendon.

“Being around the guy, he’s really thoughtful, really composed, has a great way about him. (He) kind of connects with everybody,” Dodds said. “He can fit in, in any of the position rooms if he had to. I think that’s just really important, and they all believe in him and follow him for that reason.”


High Praise for A.J. Haulcy


A smile quickly spread across Dodds’ face when he began discussing rookie safety A.J. Haulcy. The Colts’ third-round pick left a lasting impression on Dodds after the two met during the pre-draft process.

“I love that guy,” Dodds said. “(Colts southwest area scout) Mike Lacy was really pushing (to draft) him in the meetings. … And then when he walked into that interview, you just felt there’s a presence about that kid. And then you look at his history (with) three schools, he’s going up (a level) each time, he’s starting each time and he’s really productive, too.”

Haulcy began his college career at New Mexico before transferring to Houston and LSU. He earned all-conference honors at each program, highlighted by a 1st-team All-SEC selection last year after notching 4 passes defensed and 3 interceptions.

The Colts lost starting strong safety Nick Cross in free agency. The 2022 3rd-round pick signed a 2-year, $13 Million deal to join the Washington Commanders, thus opening the door for Indianapolis to select Haulcy on Day 2 of the draft. The 22-year-old has a chance to be a Week 1 starter in Indy, and he said he’s already been in contact with starting free safety Cam Bynum. Bynum had four interceptions and eight passes defensed during his first season with the Colts last year.

“I feel like we could do some great things here,” Haulcy said Friday shortly before rookie minicamp began. “We could make history here, just us two and our skill sets and also what we know about ball.”


C.J. Allen Is Poised for a Big Role


Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has never had a rookie wear the green dot helmet and call the defense ...... that could change with CJ Allen.

The former Georgia star and 2nd-round pick is poised to take on a big role in Indianapolis’s defense after the team traded its former green dot-wearer, Zaire Franklin, to the Green Bay Packers in March. Anarumo believes Allen will be able to absorb those duties after wearing the green dot at Georgia, though Anarumo said he won’t rush Allen’s development. Last year, Allen was named a first-team All-American and a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker.

“Coach (Kirby) Smart down there at Georgia thinks the world of the guy,” Anarumo said of Allen on Wednesday. “(He has) played a ton of football there. He is all about football, the old-school gym rat.”

Allen said he realized a childhood dream when he was drafted, but he’s glad to finally put it in his rearview mirror. The 21-year-old glided around the field during rookie minicamp Friday and Saturday, and his voice was easily distinguishable as he established his presence.

“At the end of the day, it’s still football,” Allen said. “It may be different names or things like that, but you still got to tackle the person with the ball and get to the ball. So, that’s the main thing.”

o

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


For all of his flaws, Anthony Richardson is very talented and athletic, and gives the team the proverbial "puncher's chance" to win any close game with a late, 4th quarter rally ...... how much more can one ask from a 3rd-string quarterback ??? In fact, that sounds like arguably the best 3rd-string quarterback in the league. And yes, we really need 3 quarterbacks in this very rough sport of tackle football, as last year's team having 44 year-old Philip Rivers desperately trying to salvage the season exhibited.

Leave well-enough alone, and don't make an issue where there isn't one by cutting him. Richardson may want to be traded, but one can't always get what they want.

o

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


The Colts Says That QB Anthony Richardson Is ‘Here to Compete’ Amid Trade Request

(By James Boyd)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...ny-richardson/

o

o


Richardson appears to be staying put, just like I hoped that he would ...... in my rat's ass of an opinion, the 2025 Colts needing to resort to bringing back Uncle Phil exhibited that you can't have too much depth at the QB position in the NFL.



Anthony Richardson Finds No Trade Market as Colts QB Set to Stay Put

(By J. Canfora)

https://www.sportsboom.us/nfl/exclus...ity-with-colts


The Colts' former top-5 draft-pick Anthony Richardson received almost no interest on the trade market, we reported weeks ago that interest was scant, with concerns about his vision following an orbital bone injury, but the sides have done well to put that drama behind them early in the offseason.

Richardson has struggled to execute as a starting quarterback and stay healthy and while his natural talent remains intriguing.

Multiple executives from teams who added quarterbacks and who evaluated Richardson said his health and his latest injury in particular, played more of a role in them pivoting to other options than did Richardson’s struggles to cement the starting job.

“Even if he was healthy I don’t think he was going to have much of a market,” one GM told SportsBoom.

Richardson, as a high first-round pick, carries a base salary of $5.4M and a $10M salary cap hit. At a time when former first-overall QBs Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa were signing for veteran minimum contracts of $1.3M, that was a factor.

“Those contracts didn’t help him,” the GM said.


There’s No Place Like Home ???


At this point, league sources indicated that Richardson has accepted that it is almost certain that he plays out this season with the Colts, and then takes his chances in free agency next year after fulfilling his rookie contracts.

Richardson requested a trade and very much wanted to move on early in the off-season after losing his job to Daniel Jones a year ago, coupled with the fact that the Colts then re-signed Jones to a 2-year extension.

Richardson has not been a distraction of any sort since reporting to Indianapolis and the reality is, with Jones a high risk for injury throughout his career, and with the Colts adding quality pieces to their offensive roster in recent years, Richardson is actually in about as good a position as he could hope for, all things considered.

There is always the possibility that Richardson shows well in the pre-season and a playoff team loses a quarterback to injury and he gets an opportunity to start elsewhere.

The 23-year-old is desperate for more playing experience, after only playing one year of big-time college football and he has just 15 starts in his NFL career.

o